How do you find the right Meals on Wheels Program and Services for your senior?
#SeniorNutrition #HomeDeliveredMeals #MealsOnWheels #MealsForSeniors #SeniorMeals
Senior Meals Search Start with Meals on Wheels Programs:
In some areas you have senior meal choices. As a result, Mow-Services created an internal initial rating system which is ever evolving. Step 1: ALWAYS start with a Meals on Wheels program. Step 2: Next, one of the best ways to start your search to find a qualified Senior Meals on Wheels program is by reviewing their website.
Good – Look for these four website fundamentals: (1) Online menu of nutritional services, required ages for services (if required) and the costs of services if any (2) Acknowledgement of programs supporting the safety and security of clients (Ex: Meal Temperature Monitoring and Background Checks for Drivers). (3) Online feedback and reporting forms where anyone from the community can voice any concerns or ask questions and get answers (4) Posted names, phone numbers and email addresses of all executive staff members as well as board members (if applicable). Simple Test: Perform and evaluate a simple test of the Meals on Wheels communication network by trying them out. Call a posted phone number and ask a question and then send an email or social media direct message with another question and review the responses you receive for timeliness and principals of good customer service.
Better – All of the Good plus: (1) Online menus approved by a nutritionist (2) No Response Program advertised and supervised where a list of a client's family/friends are notified in case a client was not available to receive a schedule meal shipment (3) Posted Audited Online Financials and Community Reports (4) Online Program Statistics posted including how many clients are served during a given timeframe, when meals are typically delivered (hours and days of the week), and that program details are clearly spelled out like how to cancel or request a hold on services online and/or by phone (anytime day or night).
Best - All of the Good & Better plus (1) Online menus include Nutritional Content (including Calories, Total Fat, Salt...) (2) A wide variety of Key Nutritional Services offered including 3 or more of the following home delivered options: Therapeutic Meals, Meals Choice, Nutritional Supplements, Hot Meals, Frozen Meals, Shelf-Stable Meals, Grocery or Pantry items. One other bonus feature would be to determine if the Meals on Wheels program provides a Congregate Meals program where healthy seniors (once communities approve eating in public based on community health standards) looking for companionship can enjoy a meal and friendship.
Meals Hero: Best PLUS elements of good organization transparency and stewardship with posted program statistics including the number of meals served, clients served, cost per meal served and the percentage of donated funds that go for meals.
Overview: As advocates for the need of Meals on Wheels programs in the USA, we provide support and raise awareness about how anyone can support, improve and help a Meals on Wheels program. One of our many programs is called Meals Hero. Our goal for Meals Hero is to help Meals on Wheels programs connect and empower individuals within their local communities to become part of their success as a donor, employee, volunteer, board member, community leader, third party vendor, advocate or event supporter.
We believe that individuals behind the scenes of Meals on Wheels programs are just as important to their local communities as nurses, paramedics, doctors or firefighters. We also believe in strong community oversight and involvement within your local Meals on Wheels program(s) which is critical to meeting the nutritional needs and support of seniors so they can remain independent and a functional part of their families and your local community.
Unfortunately, not all Meals on Wheels programs are created equal. That is why we are working hard every day to help narrow the gap while encouraging good stewardship combined with organizational and operational transparency. With a network in place to reach approximately 100 Meals on Wheels programs and growing, we are making progress, but more is needed.
Awareness Goal - Meals on Wheels Websites:
We have to start from somewhere to create this change. Our initial internal website measuring sticks are constantly evolving as a general guideline. Note: We encourage your feedback to improve this list and realize nothing replaces the accountability that comes from close community involvement and oversite.
Prospective Donors, Clients, Volunteers or Staff - Look for these items:
- Published Program Statistics
- Published Board/Paid Staff Names and Contact Information
- Online Menus & Services with Nutritional Information
- Client Safety/Security Program
- Online Contact Us (Feedback Form)
- FAQ (Frequently Ask Questions)
- Online Financials
